“The freshers had to go fetch while the seniors played volleyball. His first memory of running is during the ragging sessions at the Chandigarh College of Architecture. He preferred debates and theatre and aced his studies at school. While growing up in Jaipur, sports was an afterthought for Sachdev.

“It was a relief when they announced the team in April, because I’ve dreamed of this moment for so long,” he says. One of those goals is representing India at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Austria the races this year are from June 6-10.

But after years of contemplation, he has finally managed to find the clarity that’s allowing him to relentlessly pursue his targets. It’s been a journey that’s often needed life-altering decisions and a single-minded focus. Today, he would perhaps outrun all of those folks. “I would really wonder - what is this world, who are these people and why are they doing this,” Sachdev, 30, says, chuckling. On his way back to the hostel, there were times he would bump into spandex-clad runners and cyclists, breaking sweat during the predawn hours. Those were days of academic pursuits and nights of revelry while away from it. A decade ago, Sannat Sachdev led a very different life.

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